The Beautiful Breath — An Anapanasati Meditation Retreat

The Beautiful Breath — An Anapanasati Meditation Retreat, May 18, 6pm to May 21, 2pm.

“when mindfulness of breathing is developed and cultivated, it is of great fruit and great benefit.”
 

Using the framework of the Anapanasati meditation as taught by the Buddha, we will practice four areas of contemplation: the body and breath, feelings, the mind, and dharmas or aspects of reality. This traditional practice is both specific and profound. We learn to refine our awareness of passing moments and to appreciate the beauty of their passing. The practice can bring calm if we are in need of calm; simplicity if life feels too complex; joy if we have forgotten it; clarity if we are in the fog; and equanimity if we are in turmoil. Anapanasati practice is known to develop both samatha and vipassana, both tranquility and wisdom. 

On the retreat Satyada and Amala will offer teachings about each section of the practice, q&a time after meditation sessions, and plenty of silent practice time. 

If you have a solid meditation practice and want to learn how far mindfulness with the breath could take you, this will be a good retreat for you. 

“What is the way to develop and practice continuously the method of Full Awareness of Breathing so that the practice will be rewarding and offer great benefit?
“It is like this, bhikkhus: the practitioner goes into the forest or to the foot of a tree, or to any deserted place, sits stably in the lotus position, holding his or her body quite straight, and practices like this: ‘Breathing in, I know I am breathing in. Breathing out, I know I am breathing out.’

Amala discovered the mindfulness of breathing 50 years ago and has been exploring practice with the body and the breath ever since. She considers Anapanasati to be one of her core practices, along with the Brahmaviharas, the Elements, and Buddha visualization. Amala has been a participant at Aryaloka since 1992, was ordained in 2000, and has been teaching and leading retreats regularly since 2002. She is Co-chair of Aryaloka with Satyada. 

Satyada’s name was given to him at the time of his ordination into the Triratna Buddhist Order and translates in English as “a giver of truth” or “one who gives the true Dharma”. He lives the teachings of the historical Buddha with sincerity and conviction. He teaches from his heart. As Chair of the Aryaloka Board of Directors he leads the Aryaloka community not only as a talented administrator but also as a mindful and compassionate Buddhist, familiar with facing all the spiritual challenges of life. Through his outreach work in prisons, his teaching at Aryaloka, and his many friendships, he exemplifies his name to all those touched by the Aryaloka community.

Zoom option: some sessions of the retreat will be available on Zoom. email info@aryaloka.org for the link. Zoom attendance is by donation.
 

A Culture of Generosity and Support
In the tradition of passing on the Dharma freely, our Dharma retreat and workshop facilitators offer their work without charge and are not paid. We recognize the value in what they do and want to thank them for their time, energy and wisdom. A financial gift can help support our facilitators to afford them the opportunity to lead. Please consider making a donation towards their support. 
There is often a cash collection and a thank you card that is passed on the retreat, though one can also make a donation directly to facilitators with a check, and some use money transfer services such as PayPal or Venmo.
Thank you for considering this.
 

How are we coming together safely?

• Please take a Covid-19 rapid test on the day of the event (Aryaloka does not provide this test). A negative rapid test is required for entry; please take a photo of your test results and present at the door. 
• If you know you have been exposed to Covid-19 within a five day period of the event’s start-time, we ask that you not attend in-person.*  Stay up-to-date with exposure guidelines here.
• Masks are optional unless otherwise stated. Masks are required indoors for anyone testing negative of Covid-19 within days 6-10 of post-covid exposure without infection.
• If you have recently recovered from Covid-19, stay up-to-date with CDC guidance here as to when you’re clear to be back in public.*
• If you have cold or flu symptoms, we ask that you do not attend in-person.*
• All participants will be asked to sign a waiver of liability in relation to Covid-19.
• We have installed new air purifiers with virus-destroying technology!
• There are new cleaning and sanitation protocols.

*Zoom options are available for many events. Transfer of fees or refunds are also available for illness or illness-preventative related absence. 
Please email info@aryaloka.org if you have any questions about our safety protocols. Aryaloka may adjust these policies in relation to current, local infection rates, and will keep retreatants posted on such changes.

At Aryaloka, we strive to make our programs available to everyone regardless of their financial circumstances. Our fee structure allows you to pay according to your means. 

The Event Rate is our actual fee for the event. It is for people paying their rent or mortgage, and who can afford occasional or regular leisure expenses such as dining out. Any payment above the advertised fee is a tax-deductible donation. 

The Mid-Level Reduced Rate is for those who are paying their mortgage or rent, though experience a consistent tightness in budget that makes extras like leisure activities or unexpected expenses difficult or impossible. 

The Base-Level Reduced Rate is for those without an income or with an income low enough that making ends meet is a challenge. 

Those whose circumstances are not included above can email the office to make other arrangements. info@aryaloka.org